Overview & Reviews

When the original Honda CR-V debuted in the late 1990s, its mission was simple: to offer a distinct alternative to more mainstream mid- and full-size large SUVs. With its car-based design, economical four-cylinder engine and sedanlike ride and handling, the CR-V was an instant hit. Priced competitively and offering plenty of passenger room and cargo capacity for most people's needs, the Honda CR-V has long enjoyed strong sales numbers and much loyalty from consumers.

Today, the compact- or small-SUV segment has grown to include more than a dozen different models, with varying philosophies of what constitutes the perfect blend of size, power and capability. While some models offer more powerful upgrade engines and others can deliver true off-road capability, the Honda CR-V remains focused on its more practical aspirations. True to form, it is one of the best choices available in the all-important areas of being both easy to drive and family-friendly.

Current Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V is offered in familiar LX, EX and EX-L trim levels. Even the LX comes pretty well equipped, while the EX and EX-L get additional convenience and luxury features. The EX-L is also eligible for either a navigation system or a rear-seat entertainment system. You can't get the navigation and the DVD systems together, however.

Powering all CR-Vs is a 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine that's good for 185 horsepower and 163 pound-feet of torque, mated to a five-speed transmission. On all models, front-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is optional.

The newest Honda CR-V's list of merits is a long one. Its interior is intelligently thought out and boasts strong fit and finish. Its ride is more comfortable and quieter than before, and handling and steering remain high points. Its major shortcoming concerns passing power in certain circumstances. We've found the CR-V's acceleration peppy enough around town, but somewhat sluggish during merging and passing maneuvers on gradients. However, as long as your beaten path doesn't include many steep roads or overly heavy loads, the Honda CR-V should provide all the room, refinement and performance you will ever need.

Used Honda CR-Vs
The current, fourth-generation CR-V was redesigned for 2012. Changes were of the more evolutionary sort, as its size, basic interior packaging and engine were similar to the previous model. Key alterations included a quieter and more comfortable ride, additional features and a backseat that flipped down from levers in the trunk.

The third generation of the Honda CR-V was produced from 2007-'11. Compared to the previous-generation CR-V, this one had few key improvements, including a new liftgate (instead of the previous side-mounted door with an outside-mounted spare tire), improved handling and steering, and the option for a navigation system for the first time.

Trim levels included the traditional LX and EX, plus the EX-L -- the L signifying leather upholstery (along with heated front seats). CR-Vs from 2007-'09 made 166 hp versus 180 hp for the following two years. A five-speed automatic transmission was standard across the board, and all trims could be had with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Those looking for maximum luxury in a CR-V should know that the EX-L gained a power driver seat, automatic climate control and a premium stereo for 2008. An SE trim level, which slotted between the traditional LX and EX trims, was made for just the final year of this generation.

In reviews, we've found this CR-V to be a very well-rounded model. High points included a comfortable and sensible interior, top crash test scores and agile handling. Elevated amounts of road noise might be a problem for some shoppers, as would be the engine's modest power, but overall this CR-V should be a great choice for a used small crossover SUV.

Produced from 2002-'06, the second-generation CR-V boasted a number of improvements compared to the original CR-V, including more power, more interior room and improved passenger protection. It was available in base LX or uplevel EX trim. The EX had more features, as well as standard antilock brakes and side airbags for the entire run (the LX didn't get them as standard until 2005), so picking an EX might be a wise idea. Notably, stability control and side and side curtain airbags became standard across the lineup in '05. The Special Edition model, available only in 2005 and '06, included exterior styling tweaks, a hard spare tire cover and heated leather seats and mirrors.

Power came from a 2.4-liter four cylinder rated at 160 hp, though this number dropped to 156 hp in 2006 due to a revised rating procedure. The LX had standard front-wheel drive and optional all-wheel drive, while the EX was AWD-only until 2006, when a FWD version was also made available. Both LX and EX initially came standard with a five-speed manual transmission, but from 2005 onward the manual was limited to the EX. The other transmission, an automatic, had four speeds until 2005, when it was upgraded to five.

In reviews, our editors lauded the second-generation CR-V's comfortable ride and refined powertrains, though the significant road noise at speed was deemed regrettable. Some of us found the four-cylinder a bit meek, but its smooth power delivery and reasonable efficiency were mentioned as admirable traits. All in all, the second-generation CR-V was roundly praised when new and remains a solid choice on the used-car market.

The original first-generation Honda CR-V compact SUV was produced from 1997-2001. It was priced competitively and offered more passenger room and cargo capacity than its peers. A manual transmission was added in 1998, and a welcome 20-hp boost the following year gave it a new output of 146 hp. In 2000, a leather-trimmed SE (Special Edition) model was added to lead the model lineup.

User Reviews:

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  CVT vibration problem with most cars! - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By shelbyy - August 26 - 11:05 pm

  I love my CRV and dont blame Honda.For who has a vibration issue heres why its your CVT transmission causing the problem, most not all cars have this vibration issue its just the way the CVT is and will always be. Continuously variable automatic transmissions (CVTs)—often considered the uninspiring alternatives—keep the engine in its sweet spot for acceleration (or fuel-efficiency) but often to the detriment of noise and vibrations, leading to complaints of a disconnected, motorboating feeling when accelerating—in which the note of the engine isnt connected to a sensation of speed. At their worst, CVT transmissions can feel sluggish, or as if something is uncertain or slipping.

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  just right - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By laura - August 26 - 2:33 am

  MY CRV IS JUST THE PERFECT CAR .... NOT A GAS GUZZLER, BUT YET SUBSTANTIAL ENOUGH TO PROTECT ME IN 3 CAR ACCIDENTS AND NOT RIDICULOUSLY EXPENSIVE TO REPAIR. ALSO IT IS EASY TO GET IN AND OUT OF.

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  Love my CRV - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By MDmom - August 25 - 1:00 pm

  I have only had this car for two weeks and have 750 miles on it so far. I love this car and am so happy with purchase. Test drove/considered Highlander (-gas mileage, price; + 3rd row); Rav4 (-ugly; +3rd row); Mazda5 (- bumpy sort of weird looking; +3rd row). Very pleased with decision, was cheaper than all three other options, very comfortable, fun to drive, roomy enough for me and three kids (despite no third row - even on recent 3 hour drive no complaints), so far avg 24 mpg with about 50/50 city/hwy driving, FEELS safe, easy to park and turn in tight spots. I bought base model no extras 20K out the door. I probably could have gone lower but my color was selling out everywhere.

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  CR V FOR ME - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Bob Hastings - August 24 - 9:41 am

  GREAT SOLID CAR

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  Great vehicle w/ extremely low maintenance needs - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By G Goldberg - August 22 - 9:04 pm

  First thing to know is that the paint finish is superb. I waxed this CR-V a few times early on then never again for the 11 years. It still shines and beads water. The interior leather, 11 years later, is still in near perfect condition. I changed the tires right after purchasing because I wanted something smoother and quieter. It was a well worthwhile investment. It handles remarkably well in rain and snow. (I got a set of snow tires on steel wheels that switch to for the winter and have never had any problems.) The AWD and anti lock brakes work very well. I get 20 mpg in stop and start city driving of very short distances. I work 5 miles from home. Having this car has made finding a new one I like, very difficult. Technologically and safety wise, this car was way ahead of its time with the AWD, ABS, number air bags, a multi disk CD player, and a tilt, slide back, and view through moon roof.

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  Great vehicle w/ extremely low maintenance needs - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By G Goldberg - August 22 - 9:04 pm

  First thing to know is that the paint finish is superb. I waxed this CR-V a few times early on then never again for the 11 years. It still shines and beads water. The interior leather, 11 years later, is still in near perfect condition. I changed the tires right after purchasing because I wanted something smoother and quieter. It was a well worthwhile investment. It handles remarkably well in rain and snow. (I got a set of snow tires on steel wheels that switch to for the winter and have never had any problems.) The AWD and anti lock brakes work very well. I get 20 mpg in stop and start city driving of very short distances. I work 5 miles from home. Having this car has made finding a new one I like, very difficult. Technologically and safety wise, this car was way ahead of its time with the AWD, ABS, number air bags, a multi disk CD player, and a tilt, slide back, and view through moon roof.

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  You want an honest, unbias review....read this one - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Kris - August 22 - 12:36 am

  ***UPDATE*** The seats are not that comfortable for long drives. They arent miserable...but any rides longer than 4 hrs i find im ready to get out asap. My 2005 lincoln ls sport sedan was 10 fold more comfortable than this for comparison purposes. Other than that...everything review is the same...... Dont let any woes of the vibration issue of the 2015s keep you from a 2016. Also, dont believe any crap you hear about Hondas Real Time AWD not applying power to the rear wheels. I will break it down for you as im very picky about what I buy. Get the EX at a minimum. The bang for your buck will prevail here, as for 2200 more dollars, you get heated seats, keyless entry and pushbutton start, sunroof, auto headlamps, LED daytime running lamps, fog lamps, a larger 7 inch screen to utilize your backup camera better, you also get the passenger side lane changing camera as well with the EX, you get the alloy wheels instead of the steel wheels of the LX, and there are a few more extras you get. for me, the foglamps, auto headlamps, sunroof, and heated seats were worth the extra premium. Lets talk vibration in the 2015s. Honda was aware of the issue. As with any new design (the Earthdreams VTEC and the CVT were new to the CRV in 2015) there will be bugs that need to be worked out. Coming from older vehicles (07 Camry 4cyl) and being an automotive enthusiast, I honestly would expect some vibration from a 4cyl at idle in gear. I mean most of the issue comes from lower rpms and not the right motor and transmission mounts for the vehicle. Honda has taken care of the issue for good with the 2016. They changed some mounts, upped the idle RPM (causing a EPA estimated MPG decrease of 2 on the sticker). The end result is simply NO VIBRATIONS IN 2016. Moving on to the drive-train. This direct injection 4 banger and the CVT is the best thing since baked bread. This CRV will FLY if you want it to, or it will milk 30mpg plus (seen 33mpg on back roads already). I was a little nervous about the CVT and reliability...but this type system has been used for years in other vehicles and even farm equipment. And to add is has less moving parts, therefore if anything were to go wrong, less would break and it would cost less to repair. I love how the RPMs stay constant all the way to your cruising speed (all relative to how hard you are pushing on the accelerator). The new direct port injection engine is able to pump out 185hp at 6100 and 181tq at 3600. They are able to achieve this with higher compression 11.1 to 1. this vehicle still just uses 87 octane gasoline. Be aware the motor produces a loud tick from outside the cabin, but inside...you never hear it. this is normal for this motor. The AWD. Dunno how else to say this...but it works as it should in REAL WORLD circumstances. Yes it is FWD and the rear wheels are engaged at the presence of lost traction. But, in real world it works...and requires no engagement from the driver. It works so well that as a driver you would never notice it. Dont believe the YouTube videos you see online making the CRV look like its failing. You werent there to verify everything is as they present it...so pay no attention. It works. And if your AWD were to be having issues, a dummy light on the dash starts blinking AWD to let you know it needs service. One of the greatest features of this 2016 CRV (i think Honda has used it for years now though). The Maintenance Minder system (MM). Do away with the routine 3 or 5000 oil changes, and do away with the recommended maintenance guidelines in the back of your owners manual. The CRV and its onboard computer keeps track of how YOU drive, YOUR driving conditions (ambient temperature, engine temp, drive time, speeds...etc) and will let you know what needs to be done and when. this means you might need your oil changed every 4000 miles, or 8000...it all depends on how your driving. and the CRV is smart enough to do the work. Some of you might think this is annoying, but as far as i understand if you dont follow the MM and take it to the dealer to service, your warranty will be void on the vehicle. The dealer has a tool to reset the MM and tell the computer the service done to the vehicle. I would consult the dealer and service department for more details, but the system is designed to save you money and keep you from doing unnecessary maintenance. Im a DIYer but i am going to let the vehicle tell me when and what needs to be done. For the cons. I only have 1. at speeds of around 50mph and greater, there is a draft that comes in from the door pocket under the door handle. im sure this is purely for vehicle ventilation because things cant be airtight...but when its cold out you feel it. im gonna see what i can do to eliminate it. for now we have a towel on both doors there. not a big deal...just wrong spot to have a draft.

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  Great Car - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Jeanne - August 21 - 5:36 am

  Very good car and not bad mileage. Could be better but on a long trip I average about 29 to 31 miles a gallon. Not bad

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  honda 2013 crv ex - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By george stephens - August 18 - 5:30 pm

  still waiting for 100.00 gas card perk

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  unsatisfied - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By stymied - August 17 - 10:00 am

  front seat not made for anyone over 510. back seat for kids only very disappointing. will try to sell and recover losses for the price I expected heated front seats with more adjustments.